I'm looking for a restaurant near our hotel (Broadway and 49th) or near the Winter Garden Theatre (seeing Mamma Mia at 8pm on a Thursday) for a pre-theatre dinner.
There are 3 of us and we are open to all types of food but are more interested in Italian/Mediterranean food. In regards to price, something between $15-30 for an entree would be ideal.
I've been to menupages.com and found it to be very help but would also like any suggestions you may have. Thanks for the help!

2 very reasonable Italian are Cascina and Basilica. Dervish (Turkish) has a great prix fixe menu.

My choice in that neighborhood would be Remi. It is a lovely room, delicious food and great service. It should fit within your budget of up to $30 an entree (although not up to $30 per person total).

I really like www.viceversarestaurant.com

This was one of my mother's favourite restaurants in Manhattan. The casconcelli bergamasca is fabulous.

Superficially Thin

I'll second the endorsement of Remi. It's a few short blocks from your hotel and the theater on West 53rd Street between 7th & 6th Avenues.

Becco is an Italian restaurant on 46th (Restaurant Row). Their Sinfonia di Pasta is $23, is unlimited & includes unlimited salad too. They have a full menu but I have only been there for the pasta.

While I have enjoyed the pasta special at Becco, the restaurant can't compare with Remi!

Wherever you go, be sure that you tell your server that you have theatre tickets. I know that at Remi, they will get you to curtain on time. Most restaurants in the area will do the same.

Hey- thanks for asking and answering my question too! I am hungry just looking at the Remi and Viceversa menus!

As many people know, Vice Versa is one of my favorites for either pre-theater or regular dining. So that's the one I'd recommend. The prix-fixe is $35, but virtually all entrees will be in your range if you want to order a la carte (though more in the $22 to $30 range).

I've eaten (once) at Cascina and was underwhelmed. I don't know Remi.

Ok Doug, since you were the reason I tried Vice Versa (and loved it) you are now obilgated to eat at Remi, one of my all time favorites - there was a ten year period where we would not visit NYC without at least one meal there - put it on your list

carm: here is the link I mentioned to you that I would try and find - it was my wknd in nyc with my daughter and the tea at Lady Mendls. Below is the link when I ate at Vice Versa, if you want to look at that one - for a treat after the theater, your daughter might like dessert at Thalia's - and in these trip reports are some fun spots - Chocolate by the Bald Man (if you love chocolate) or Tisserie, if in those areas -

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35105078

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35099570

have fun !

OK, escargot. Remi it is. I already have a reservation at Roberto Passon tomorrow night (I'm seeing "Sunday in the Park with George") but I'm seeing Patti Lupone in "Gypsy" next week, so I'll eat at Remi then. I WILL be reporting back.

I'm jealous you are seeing her in Gypsy.....
I am finally getting back to NYC Easter weekend to see August: Osage County and am deciding now where to eat this time...

with all that theater and dining, I think you should do a trip report - !

Having had an apt for awhile in nyc, very close to remi, we can definitely recommend remi, likewise robert passon, and throw in amarone on ninth ave as another reasonable choice. insieme, on seventh ave has received wonderful reviews, and that is my choice for our next dinner in that neighborhood.

Another choice is La Masseria on 48th. It's pretty good Italian for the theater district.
www.lamasserianyc.com
Saw 'Dead Man's Cellphone' last night - very different - Mary-Louise Parker is so good.

carm: sorry - I got you confused w/ a different nyc post from someone else

We just got a confirm on our reservation at ViceVersa!

Thank you all for your input! It was very helpful.

Another question...has anyone been to Il Melograno on 51st St at 10th Ave? We are considering going here on another night and wondering if anyone has tried it. It received really good reviews on menupages.com

Thanks again!

Becco is more about unlimited food - although it's okay - than about something a little more special. It's definitely a cut above the chains - but not in the same class as the other recos.

Don't know that one -
others I like you might want to look at their menus, etc
are Le Madeleine and Marseilles, or Osteria al Doge - if you want to be tnear theater district -
if you use opentable.com you can look up what restaurants (that participate) have openings when you wnat them and see their menus.

If you want to go outside that area that opens up an infinite number of other possibilities.